The owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins are seeking $750 million for the sale of the team, according to the sources of TSN’s Rick Westhead.

Westhead reports that $750 million would mark a record for the sale of a U.S.-based NHL team.

“It does seem a bit steep with the economy and for that market,” said Montreal economist Drew Dorweiler. “Pittsburgh is certainly not one of the largest cities in the U.S.”

In June, Penguins owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux retained Morgan Stanley to oversee the sale of the club.

“We conduct periodic reviews of our business and, because we have received several inquiries about the franchise in recent years, we decided to engage Morgan Stanley for their insight and counsel,” Lemieux and Burkle said in a joint statement. “After buying the team out of bankruptcy, ensuring its long-term future in Pittsburgh and creating a strong foundation for continued success, we believe it is time to explore our options.”

Last year, Forbes magazine valued the Penguins at $565 million – the 10th-most valuable franchise in the league.

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

Prior to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper called his buddy Charles Barkley for a restaurant recommendation in Chicago. Barkley not only suggested a spot for Cooper, he made a reservations and took care of the tab for Cooper and his group of 20. (The Sporting News)

For those wondering what it might be like to play for newly appointed Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill, here’s a video of the 41-year-old addressing the club’s prospects during the 2014 development camp:

Sportsnet’s Gare Joyce breaks down the results between Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel from last weekend’s NHL Scouting Combine. (Sportsnet)

Former NHLPA head Alan Eagleson was spotted ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in Chicago. The 82-year-old is a friend of Blackhawks’ executive Bob Pulford. According to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, some are uncomfortable seeing Eagleson around the game again. (The Hockey News)

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

Six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier had a chance to give top prospect Connor McDavid some advice when the two met for the first time on Monday in Chicago. Messier passed along some advice that he learned from hanging out with Wayne Gretzky during their early years in Edmonton. Despite all the sponsorship, fan and media demands, Gretzky was always the most prepared come game time.

“Listen, I’m not trying to cram 40 years of experience down into one five-minute brief meeting, but I think it is important for him to know that he can say ‘no’ sometimes,” said Messier. (Sportsnet)

Jaromir Jagr has a story on why Mario Lemieux came out of retirement during the 2000-01 season. (Bar Down)

Here’s another look at the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Game 3 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks:

Gordie Howe ‘comfortable and happy’ after second stem cell treatment. (The Hockey News)

File this under unexpected: Pittsburgh Penguins owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux hired Morgan Stanley as they consider “the possibility of selling some or all of the franchise,” according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dave Molinari confirms that ownership sought out Morgan Stanley to get the ball rolling on this potential situation. Gary Bettman didn’t address the situation as it broke during tonight’s press conference, according to Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski.

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Naturally, McKenzie provided the expected caveats. Just because the two are exploring their options doesn’t mean that they’re absolutely set on this.

Interestingly, Lemieux is singled out as possibly being most anxious in getting out, noting that the two may still retain some involvement with the team even if they give up equity shares.

Again, at first, this is a startling situation. Thinking deeper, there have been rumblings about dysfunction in the organization, with some pointing blame all the way to the top.

Perhaps Lemieux and Burkle are losing their taste for the criticism and/or management aspects of running the team? Maybe they’re merely trying to make a ton of money (Lemieux certainly earned his keep in saving the franchise more than once).

Tough to blame “The Magnificent One” if the Penguins approach this sort of price tag, after all: